In the dead of night, Varaline Centralis was no less short of activity than it would be during the day. A crescent moon graced the sky, the fountains' water shimmering from the night lights. The lights that dyed the streets in color. It was no wonder it was one of the five Provinces of Conflagraflaria.
"Was it really necessary to travel this late at night?" Kano asked, pulling his hood to shield his eyes from the bright-colored lights. Due to Conflagraflaria's heavy infrastructure, modified Floubulbs were in full use. The buildings that adorned the streets like ants were revered as grand in the village from which they hailed. Buildings as grand and luxurious as Fortune's Vitus. A blend of wood, metal and stone standing as one. It was clear that this was where nobility resided.
"Do you not know anything? Just try and guess why it's busy today even though it's two in the morning." Anemone replied as she looked up. Gazing at the moon through the opening of the dome under which they walked.
"It's busy at night all the time…well today more so than usual. I still don't even know why," he added, glancing at the fountain that stood at the center of the dome.
"I am surprised you have forgotten something that only happens twice a year. The air is laced with magic right now," she added before she turned to face him, "…..Where's Walter?"
"Just like a child, he is by the fountain washing the fruit he got!" he shouted, attempting to spite him. Alas, his words could not be heard as the crowd was too loud. Walter continued to wash the mango by the fountain.
She let out a sigh before adding, "He is wondering about again….honestly, from the way he moves around, you'd believe he was from here."
"Naturally, I am from here," they heard someone mutter from the crowd. From the fountain, he had dashed to their side, blending perfectly with the crowd. He then took a bite from the mango.
"That's a lie!" they exclaimed in disbelief. His claim held no merit of truth, or so they thought.
"Believe what you would," he added before he continued with his walk. He took yet another bite.
"So what were you doing in Seekers then?" she asked, probing him for answers, "If you are from here, and this is the final goal, why didn't you just wait it out?"
"Alnico requested my presence and I obliged. Apparently, he was expecting a visit from his friend and he needed me to aid with damage control."
"Alnico, who's that?" the former asked.
"It is best to leave that question unanswered. Pray, explain why we are traveling in the dead of night?"
"With the question you just asked, it's hard to believe that you are from here. You and Kano sound like shut-ins or people who rarely pay attention to their environments. Today is the start of the eternal cycle of Redstar Ambiance, do you understand why it's extra busy."
Kano sighed, "Aaahhh...Right, because of the festival to celebrate the time of year that brings prosperity."
"Yea, the red-tinted sun. Well, our year is only made up of two parts anyway. The Redstar should be in full view by morning."
Conflagraflaria is a kingdom located at the divine spot Redstar. Its climate is rainy year-round with mild cold and hot temperatures. 290 out of 365 days in a year are graced by a special phenomenon known as Redstar Ambiance. During this time, sunlight is slightly tinted crimson.
"How did you notice that was today? It's not a fixed day."
"Be that as it may, there is a magic cycle to observe. I can sense that the seals are starting to form in the sky. Come daybreak, the sun will appear slightly crimson. Oh! look…a glass store.
Finally, one that doesn't look busy. We should hurry up before they run out of glasses. It will be a problem if we do not have any at daybreak." They entered the store to purchase glass though Anemone never bought any. She stood at the door awaiting their return. No sooner had she let out a sigh than Walter walked out of the store.
"Miss, Why did you not purchase your own?"
"Well, I knew Redstar Ambiance would start by the time we made it to the capital so I came with my own pair." That plus the fact that I doubt the red light will affect me anymore as I can no longer see color.
Kano walked out the store when he added, "To be honest, I thought glasses from the capital would be more pricey. It is the same as back home."
"That is only natural," Anemone chimed in, "The monarchy designed the system like that. Since glasses are a commodity used by every citizen regardless of class and age, the price is fixed so as to give everyone a chance to buy. Consider the glasses part of our culture."
"So that's regardless of whether the demand is high and supply is low?"
"I don't think they care. In fact, raising the price of glasses is an offense. You are even rewarded a ten-year sentence no matter how minimal the change."
Walter returned his hands to his pockets when he said, "Looks like I have found my turn….I am heading back home."
"Wait, aren't we supposed to report to the same place?" Anemone added.
"That may be the case but I need my silver grapes. I will be off."
"Don't get lost!" Kano added.
"That coming from someone who can not look at night lights." He then took a turn to his right.
"I think he just went to sleep," Kano commented. Everything around him then began glitching when he got a strong headache. He began panting. All that surrounded him began glitching more vigorously before it disappeared. Empty darkness left in its wake.
He stood still gazing at the darkness that spread for miles on end, stretching to furthest horizon. It was nothing at all like the dark void he had grown accustomed to. He heard the voices of those that surrounded him yet, saw no one. He felt them bump into him and yet, he saw no one still.
I am at my limit, he thought, blinking repeatedly but no change could be observed. It was dark still.
'Master. Prithee, Compose yourself. Our integration is bound to halt if you allow this atmosphere to overwhelm you. The Redstar Ambiance is interference enough, we need no other.'
I am trying…..I have been trying …but this place is just bothering me. It's too bright to see and there are too many people. Crowds never bothered me but since that night in the forest, I can't even stomach the mere thought of standing amidst so many people. I feel nauseated.
'The crowd then….If you wish it, I will fain eliminate them. Sith yon moment, your instincts have been heightened, your nature intensified. As such, the presence of many is bound to hinder. Worry not, Whilom our integration is complete, you will establish more control. At the moment, your spiritual vibrations are most unstable as they are trying to merge with mine. But, once I truly become yours, no such query will exist.'
"Kano….Kano....Kano!" He heard as he stood, "What's wrong? Is it happening again? But why here?"
"It's nothing, don't worry about it. It's just that I see nothing but darkness as far as the horizon can stretch," he replied.
"So then, it's nothing like last time. That's good at least," At least now I know that you won't try and kill anyone, "Let's find you somewhere to sit. I am sure there's a bench around here…."
"Don't panic….it's only my hand. Relax and follow my lead." As of late, I have started to understand a few things about Kano's spiritual vibrations. At times, the rate increases as a response to a trigger of any kind. Once that happens, his perception wanes and he starts to hallucinate. Maybe hallucinate isn't the correct word. It's more accurate to say that he sees visions.
Visions of a distant past. We found that out two weeks ago when he had his last vision under the clear sky of a moonlit night.
Two weeks ago;
Kano reclined against the trunk of a tree. Its canopy shielded him from the sunlight. He watched as Anemone and Walter sparred. Their exchange, simply breath taking.
'They never cease to amaze. Each time, their delivery better than the last. They would make fine competition as you attempt to adjust to how your magic functions. Your body may be unstable still….but, I am able to aid you in keeping its form.'
Walter dashed toward her before delivering a crescent kick. She raised her left arm to block. Upon impact, her feet slid against the ground. Three blade alignment, she thought when a mass of rotating blades came blitzing toward him.
He withdrew his leg, ducking to avoid the blades. When he did, she went for a knee aiming for his left ear. He used his left forearm to parry before going for an uppercut. His target, her lower jaw. One decisive blow for a finish. She crossed her hands to block, holding him back. His fist clashed with her palms.
"It looks like this is another one I lost," she said before her aura dissipated.
He withdrew his hand before he replied, "Your growth has been exponential these past few days. Your blades almost caught me off guard. However, your timing was lacking. You did not take full advantage of my strike."
"What did you expect, I didn't plan on using them until you kicked me. But I have to say, the way you gather charge is amazing. It's subtle so I always overlook it. Even now, I only noticed that you had enough charge for an art when I blocked your strike."
"That's the whole point."
"Hey Kano...come and join us!" she shouted.
"No thanks…I will pass!" he replied.
Walter used his hood to cover his head when he added, "Disappointing, I understand not what I was expecting." He then walked away.
"Where are you going, Walter? One more go…I want to see if my timing will get better."
'No good will come from this choice. You need the tension from real combat…your nature demands it.'
Refrain from your suggestions…you already understand why I can't use my power against them yet. When it comes down to it, I am not really sure if integrating with you is even the right choice. It's best for me to keep my distance and go on like usual.
In the dead of night, as soon as everyone had fallen asleep, Kano got up and walked deeper into the forest. No sooner had Anemone stopped hearing his footsteps than she opened her eyes. She sat up before saying, "He's sneaking away again." She glanced where Walter slumbered before adding, "You can stop pretending to be asleep now, Walter! I can tell that you are awake."
He removed his hood before adding, "How though?"
"To be honest, I couldn't tell. I only said that to see if you were asleep."
"I took the bait then…Should I assume that you knew anent his outings."
"No I didn't...I just got a little suspicious because of the way he has been dodging sparring with me. Granted, he always seems exhausted." But the thing that's bothering me the most is the way he's acting, it's completely parallel to how he acted when we were in the forest together.
"Should we follow?..."
"You seem unnecessarily interested."
"Just answer the question."
"Fine, I don't think it will bring any harm," she added.
He got up, jogging after Kano. "Wait for me…"
Under the moonlit sky, he stood, looking up. The gentle breeze brushing lightly against his skin. He took a deep breath when he began hearing the sound of drizzle. A heavy downpour was in sue. His surroundings began glitching when he heard; "Asi…Why do those people despise you so? I have been with you for so long and I still do not know why. So what if you are the lost shadow, I don't see why that should matter."
He began releasing a black aura when he slid his hand against the wind. In its wake, a black fog remained. I recall my response was, "You are probably the only one who would think that. Haply, It's for the best. Because, only you know with all certainty that I could never end your life."
"Again with the murder talk….but, it does fit the situation. Hollow Veil's orders just do not end. Another assassination, Why do people never fight their own battles? Sure, I am effective but why me all the time?"
From within the black aura, a blue crystalline estoc began materializing. From the hilt, down to the blade. What was my response after that? I know I said something….Let's see, right, "That may well be because you are the divine blade…There is nothing that you can not cut. Be it on this plain….or any other."
The edges of its blade thinned out, sharpening them even further. The glitching that surrounded him became more vigorous when he saw blood splattering across the ground. "Asi….they overestimate me too much. I may be the divine blade….but I bleed all the same." His once blue eyes became dyed to black. A darkened hue, warping their shimmering appearance against the moonlight. His eyes widened when he saw a black fog materialize before him. It was adorned by blue patches as it blended perfectly with his distorted surroundings. Fitting perfectly with the rain he had begun seeing. He clutched his chest when it wrapped itself around him.
Walter and Anemone stood behind some trees as they watched him stare at the sky. The clear moonlit sky. "So he was just practicing his shadow magic. He could have done that with us though."
"Not necessa..." As Walter replied, he was interrupted by a blade swing. Its aim, Anemone's throat. She leapt back to avoid it as he moved in and grabbed hold of the blade. His hand coated in a silver aura.
As soon as she landed, she thought, That's nothing at all like the way of water. His speed didn't gradually build up…it just exploded. Kind of like how Walter's does. "Kano!" she shouted, hoping to bring him back to senses.
He began drawing back his blade. Walter's grip over it began slipping.
That movement just now…its like his shadow liquefied. Something else to note…I could have sworn, I saw a smiling patch on it. He stepped through before delivering a jab to Kano's wrist. This forced him to release the blade. He grabbed the hilt before jumping and delivering a revolving crescent kick. Sending Kano sliding face first against the ground.
He took a deep breath when he looked at the blade. I suppose this is just a construct of magic. He threw it away before he began walking toward Kano. "Has your slumbering finally come to an end?"
"Walter! What was that? Weren't you a little too rough?"
"It is fine….if I was, he would not be having such a relaxed look on his face." The fog that shrouded Kano's body grew as he got back to his feet. "I guess not," she added. When Kano finally opened his eyes, one of them had a bright blue glow. Intensified by his darkened aura. "Well…That is not menacing at all." From his reaction, I can rule out the possibility that he is conscious right now. Hallucinations are most likely the case sith he seems very much conscious. Could it have been the mushrooms we ate earlier?
Walter dashed toward him before unleashing a flurry of blows. Lefts and rights which Kano dodged. He feinted a left to which the Kano never reacted. He dodged the uppercut that followed the feint.
Anemone crouched on the branch of the tree where she stood. From the way he is moving, I think he is hallucinating. I have tried studying about Shadow magic so I knew this was a possibility. Aside from the initial strike, he hasn't made any attempt to attack me so I can already rule out the possibility that was intentional. It's like he reacted to something…maybe the feeling I got. Could that have been it? He never saw me so…that kind of makes sense. But how is it possible to sense feelings…Review Kano's traits….which of them makes the most sense?
The silver glow of Walter's eyes intensified when he grabbed Kano's leg. He spun him before tossing him into the air. Flashes of lightning began appearing around him when sparks could be heard. He leapt forward, catching up to Kano and delivering a hammer fist. Forget feints….I will just knock you unconscious. Since the miss and I aren't affected, I know this isn't because of the mushrooms. Then that only leaves one explanation…it is ability related hallucination. He is reminding me of you. Abaddon. I do not understand why I am feeling this way but I am….I am getting excited….but at the same time I feel so calm. It is almost as if I have been waiting for this since I met him. As he was falling, he began folding his sleeves. No sooner had he finished than he landed on the ground.
Malice detection….that's the most likely trait. When I met Kano, he used a similar trait to sense intent. If that's the case, it's no wander Walter'sfeints aren't working. He has no intention of landing them so Kano won't even notice them. "Walter!! Try to mask your intent….I have something in mind but I am still trying to work something out. Move away from him. Just for a moment."
Walter sighed before he stopped walking toward Kano. She took her time…This was finally starting to get good. You owe me a match…. Sith I clearly never won. He took a step back. Kano stood still, his eyes rolling as his attention further dwindled. What came after that? After she was hurt....he thought.
Anemone began releasing a green aura as her once-brown eyes were dyed to green. Her bracelets began shattering when she thought, "If this really is an ability-related hallucination, I can break through it if I use either spiritual magic or Prime Visualization. I just have to draw him close."
Kano's surroundings continued to glitch. The glitching intensified as the sound of the rain grew louder. I couldn't stomach it…seeing her bleed almost broke me.
"Harm her? You thought the option of my triumph was but a fleeting dream. You have no right to have that expression if you allowed her to come here. She came to end my life. Tis only fair that hers has a chance of ending as well.
This works out perfectly…I have always dreamed of the day I get to spite you. Tis Ironic, you came to kill yet, this is where you will perish." I gave into that feeling even though what he said rang true. I just wanted him dead.
Anemone thought, Time to experiment. Five-blade alignment …Wind Art: Rampaging Blades; Spiraling Zephyr. Five of her bracelet pieces transformed to blades as they gathered above her. Hardly had they begun revolving around her hand when she saw him leap toward her.
So he is just reacting to intent…he left Walter who stood right in front of him and went for me. He took the bait…Now. He reached out his hand aiming to grab her throat when she added, Fifteen blade alignment, "Wind Art: Rampaging Blades; Volley of Zephyr!" Her blades surrounded him before they released gusts of wind, trapping him in a sphere of wind.
Detainment, successful…good thing I still intended on using these otherwise he would seen through my real plan. Now to use Spirit Zephyr to distort the flow of spiritual vibrations in his body.
Walter stood, watching as Anemone's plan had succeeded. If he was not a shadow user, this would have been over by now. But he has yet to summon his familiar into this world. Flashes of lightning began forming around his body when he saw the sphere of wind being consumed by a black fog. At it's center, a blue light appeared. I expected this, he jumped forward, heading directly for the sphere.
Anemone, sensing Walter's incoming magic, wondered what he was doing. Diving directly for a massive cluster of magic. Her blades scattered as the sphere of wind dissipated. In Kano's hand, a blue crystalline rid had began materializing. He turned, taking a wild swing at the incoming Walter when his face was grabbed. Pushing him forward and hitting him against the trunk of the tree behind Anemone. Walter's eyes began releasing a silver fog when he exhaled. His fingers, barreling into the trunk as he squeezed Kano's face. He then began kicking Kano's hand trying to force him to release the rod.
"What are you doing?!" she shouted.
"This bastard is hard enough to fight unarmed. I am not about to let him arm himself with his mastered weapon." As he said those words, his grip increased ever more slightly. Blood began dripping from Kano's head.
Kano saw his surroundings continue to glitch when he heard, "This is disappointing…I thought a man of your caliber would be something else entirely. Your reputation precedes you yet, you fail to protect even one miserly girl." Fail, no…you have it backwards. You are just about to die.
He grabbed Walter's hand before releasing the rod and grabbing his foot. His aura intensified. Walter groaned in pain as the magic pierced his flesh, Trying to poison me, are we? He then began releasing a silver aura. He then delivered a knee to Kano's torso forcing him to let go. The aura dissipated from the rest of his body as it formed around the hand that impaled the tree. He used it to deliver a blow sending him crashing into the ground. As Walter was falling, he grabbed a branch as his body began shivering. He sent his magic into my system… his surroundings began to blur when he fell to the ground.
Anemone looked both sides as she wondered what was happening. Their clash however brief set them aside. She knew she was not at their level yet. What am I supposed to do? Walter may have been holding back but I doubt it was by much…Kano hasn't been fighting seriously either. If he was, he would have used water magic by now. She looked where he crashed when she saw him getting up. His black aura growing still. He then grabbed the blade beside him. Walter had just knocked him to the crystalline blade he dropped earlier.
Crap….now he is armed. She thought.Water began forming around his blade. Anemone jumped to the ground before she held out both her arms. Ten blades aligned and began revolving around them. Ten of them aligned themselves in front of her.
She saw a silver light crash in front of her as from it, Walter emerged. His body shivering still. "He had me…." He began looking at his right hand. It then became enveloped by a silver aura. "Bring it…" he added, I do not get it. I feel rattled, my magic, beguiled. At this moment, so many things are going through my head, I want to break him but every part of me just wants to serve him. Just what is this? My magic wishes it so deeply….I want to see him back to normal. He saw tiny hands touching a massive scale. The scale once even, tipped to one side. Was that me?
Kano moved his blade to his left hand before the water that surrounded it increased. Streams of waves revolving around the blade in opposing directions. They then converged at the tip of the blade, mimicking a drill. A gale began forming around Anemone's hands when she thought, he is already going for his plunge pool technique.
No sooner had Walter's feet barreled into the ground than Kano dashed toward him. He pulled his arm back, grabbing the hilt tightly before pushing the blade forward. Walter pushed his arm forward, his aura clashing with the tip of the blade. Upon impact, a shockwave formed a Walter began groaning. Cuts began forming around his hand.
The water became enveloped by a black aura before the blade ran threw Walter's arm. Severing it at the shoulder. Walter then smiled as he closed his eyes. So much drama, he thought.
Anemone then thought, Thanks Walter…I got him. First, Prime Visualization: Absolute Inversion. The aura that shrouded Kano turned to flashes of lightning. That was perfect Walter. He moved toward you so fast he can't stop yet.Now, .. "Ane…mo..ne." she heard him mutter as he got close to her. Don't worry, I will free you from what you see. I should have realized when we were in Seeker that night. Your magic can influence your mind. I just ignored it…is that why you need me?
He raised his hand before his other eye began glowing. A bright blue.
"Wind Art: Rampaging Blades; Spirit Zephyr."
She placed her palms against his torso. You will be fine now. A gale ran through his body as tears fell from his eyes. His aura dissipated when he fell unconscious, crashing into her. She was panting, I am tired too…Prime Visualization is exhausting. She then closed her eyes, falling asleep as well.
Walter walked toward them when he added. If I stay with them, this will become my permanent role. Picking them up after they are beat. He let out a sigh when a silver aura coated his wound. The aura formed the shape of his severed arm before bone began materializing. Regenerating an entire limb might take a while, he thought when he sat next to them. I do not get it…I feel much worse than before. I…want to serve him. Why is that? Is my magic acting up? He then saw a scale materialize before him. It tipped even further than before. What…the…hell?
....
Since that day I knew that Kano's magic had a firm grip on his mind. He explained it to us. How he is a disfigured soul….and how integrating with his familiar will bring him stability. He also apologized, his familiar actually. But never to us, it apologized to him apparently…that's what he said at least.
'Master…I have no excuse and will take any punishment you deem fit. When I realized that you could finally hear my voice, I wished it would be permanent. I began attempting to return the memories you lost. But, my latest attempt endangered the others. I care not for those you do not care for. But your will compels me…for them, I must care.'
But since then Walter's behavior has become perplexing to me. More than before. It's like he can't take his eyes away from Kano when he is nearby. It's kind of weird….its almost like a servant looking out for it's master. I guess Kano must have traumatized him. He must be thinking that will happen again.
...
Today is the day that the second trial begins. I don't know what's in store but I hope it isn't too arduous. She looked to the sky, watching the sun rise. Grey as expected. This monochromatic thing will be a problem…I need to evolve my sensory sight, at least enough to see the color of elemental light.